DOST-FPRDI trains PWDs and IPs on bamboo handicraft making Philippine | 22/01/2017

Forty persons with disabilities (PWDs) and two indigenous people attended a four-day training on bamboo handicraft production last 20-23 September 2016 at El Mango, Brgy. Concepcion, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Organized by the Koronadal City local government unit and DOST Region 12, and conducted by the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), the course covered the basic principles of bamboo processing and utilization, the use of bamboo processing machines and tools, and finishing techniques. The lecturers were DOST-FPRDI's Engr. Victor G. Revilleza, Mr. Eduardo M. Atienza and Mr. Fernando M. Pesigan.

According to For. Moreno L. Santander, Jr. of DOST-FPRDI’s Training and Manpower Development Services Section, "The participants were very grateful to be part of the training because it did not only help them improve their skills but also boosted their confidence as individuals."

At the end of training, the participants completed 72 bamboo handicraft items which included a miniature replica of City of Koronadal round ball, a bamboo bicycle, lamps, trays, multi-purpose containers, dish racks, mug holders, pot holders, and bamboo gadget amplifiers.

The participants were mostly members of the Tunay na Gabay ng may Kapansanan na Organisado at Determinado sa Buhay (TUNGKOD SA BUHAY) and Association of Nationalist Differently Abled Persons (ANDAP).